East Devonport hosted an inaugural Women's Statewide All-Stars Series football match on Saturday, which coincided with the official opening of the local club's new women's change rooms.
Devonport Mayor, Annette Rockliff, officially opened the new change rooms, a $422,000 project, which received funding and support from the State Government, Council and AFL Tasmania.
Cr Rockliff said the new change rooms were not only an important facility for players but signalled the East Devonport Football Club's support of women's AFL, a growing sport.
"Women's football is such a growing sport and Council is proud to support this facility, which is already being utilised by women's football teams, and also Little Athletics training," Cr Rockliff said.
"Council has made a commitment to help increase the participation of young people in sport to encourage them to get active and this project is part of that vision for our community."
Minister for Sport and Recreation Jane Howlett, MP, said as part of the 2019-20 Levelling the Playing Field Grants Program, the Tasmanian Government provided $342,129 for the club to build the new changerooms.
"I am delighted that they are now complete and ready to use for players of all ages," Minister Howlett said.
"Under Levelling the Playing Field, we have invested $10 million to upgrade sports facilities for girls and women around Tasmania to maintain and build female participation.
"But we know there's more to do, which is why we are doubling our Improving the Playing Field Grants Program to assist local councils, sporting associations and clubs to build new facilities and upgrade existing amenities. Applications open in July."
East Devonport Football Club spokesperson John Febey said the new change rooms enabled the club to secure a youth girls team.
"The East Devonport Football Club is grateful for the support we received from all funding contributors; without the new change rooms we would have struggled to cater for a girls football team," Mr Febey said.
"Our club is focussed on strengthening our junior football teams and it's been great this year to regularly host teams like Reece High School."
Devonport City Council contributed $50,000 and AFL Tasmania provided $30,000 to the project.
Photo: Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff with East Devonport Football Club's Under 12's Coach Marcus Smith.
